FUTUREWISE - Planning for the Future

 The personalised Careers Guidance and Planning Service 

In the coming year the fifth form face important subject choices in preparation for post-16 studies. These should be made on the basis of each individual’s strengths and interests in curriculum subjects and also take the fullest account of how subject choices can enable or restrict further opportunities in higher education and eventual careers.

For a number of years, the college has used the services of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation (ISCO) to provide a comprehensive in-house programme of support. In 2006/7, this will be enhanced with Futurewise, the new careers guidance and planning service from ISCO which replaces the ISCO Student Scheme.

Futurewise will cover all the major educational transition points that the fifth form will encounter over the next few years, from enrolment in 2006/7 to their 23rd birthday. Futurewise members will have a secure, personalised workspace at www.myfuturewise.org.uk, which includes an interactive toolkit to assist in decision-making and personal development over this period. Parents will also get online access to resources. 

Futurewise provides a comprehensive and progressive service, with features including: 

·        A full psychometric profile with follow-up guidance interview

·        Online profile results and structured decision-making tools

·        An extensive range of career and higher education resources, online and paper-based, including a free Penguin Careers Guide and Careerscope, a termly colour magazine

·        Access to a dedicated Information Helpline

·        A further guidance interview if required

·        Preferential access to Expanding Horizons courses 

Many of our leavers have found the services available very useful whilst at university.

In the Michaelmas term, the fifth form will take a series of vocational ability tests and answer detailed interest questionnaires. A comprehensive report is then produced for each pupil which is posted online onto their secure web space where it can be reviewed at any time and used as a basis for discussion with an ISCO advisor. These tests are helpful in indicating the level of academic work that they could follow and also in suggesting careers and subjects that match the students individual talents and ambitions. When students receive their Futurewise profiles, they will be able to use their user ID and the date on the front of the report to activate their online account.    The subscription to the Futurewise ISCO student service is a one-off payment of £158. 

Dr Beth Reynaert  BSc Ph.D PGCE